Right Around the River Blog

11th Annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta — and Virginia Boat Club — Rocked the River

Post Date: 06-24-2014

Last Saturday, we hosted the Virginia Boat Club's (VBC) annual Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta — and it seriously rocked the river. As VBC's capstone event, the regatta attracted clubs from across the region to compete on the James River, as well as around 250 spectators to cheer everyone on. And with great rowing strides, VBC pulled through as the top crew club, taking gold medals in 12 of the 19 events they entered!


Oars and people line the banks of the James River at the Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta.

"Our 11th Rocketts Landing Sprints was such a great success," says VCB President Sean Bamman. "The feedback is rolling in from the participating boat clubs, and it has all been positive. [Not only did] I see many medals around VBC members, we defended our home turf well and can claim the James River as our own. I'm proud to be a part of the Virginia Boat Club."

In addition to VBC's strong rowing prowess, VCU Crew — which also makes their home at Rocketts Landing — won three races in the open events, adding to the fantastic RVA representation!

Four different crew teams compete in 8+ shells (8-person boats) on the James River.

Other strong rowing came from Washington, D.C.'s Capital Rowing Club. Not only were they great rowers, they also have an adaptive rower who is an accomplished athlete: Dana Fink. Since 2012, Dana has been a member of the US Para-Rowing team and competed in the World Championships. In Belgrade, Serbia, Dana won bronze in the 2012 Worlds in the Women’s 1x AS category, and she's competing in trials for national team slots next month! Having such an accomplished, talented rower participate in the Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta was truly an honor.

As for the afterparty, celebration is always a good time at the Regatta! Halligan's BBQ filled everyone with delicious eats while live music accompanied the moment. And, we had all sorts of attire represented: sundresses, bowties and blazers, rowing athletic unis and more (which is also so wonderfully RVA)!

Spectators relax and enjoy the festivities on a lovely summer day at the Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta.

To cap off a nearly perfect day, one of RVA’s urban bald eagles even came out for the event!

"As we approached the starting line, a bald eagle soared over us," says Sean.  "This really hit me. I’ve seen bald eagles during practices but never before a race. I felt a great pride of being in Richmond and part of VBC. The James River is a nice body of water, perfect for rowing, and unlike the Potomac, Anacostia, or Schuykill Rivers to the north, is usually almost always flat. Our regatta with our free catered food and beverages is unique to rowing — and a nice part of what’s good about living in the so-called South."

Rowers are all smiles (and strength!) as they carry their shell to the dock.

Our sentiments exactly! Thanks to everyone who came out to enjoy a stellar time on the James River for a perfectly Richmond and rowing day at the Rocketts Landing Sprints Regatta. We look forward to next year's race.